“Babywearing” simply means holding or carrying a baby or young child using a baby carrier. Holding babies is natural, universal, and necessary.  Properly designed baby carriers make it easier and more comfortable, allowing parents and caregivers to hold or carry their children while attending to the daily tasks of living. 

    Parents of multiples can learn to easily meet the needs of both infants at the same time, and free themselves from dependancy on a double stroller everywhere they go.  Babywearing helps a new dad put a fussy newborn to sleep. It allows a new mom to use both hands to make a meal for herself or her family. It lets an experienced parent or caregiver carry a baby on her back and wash the dishes, do the laundry, weed the garden, take a walk, and run errands, all while keeping the baby safe and content.   Babywearing is a means of including your child, from infancy, in your daily activities, as well as a way to continue your normal routine, even after you have had a baby!

 To Get You Thinking About Babywearing. . .

Parents and caregivers often benefit from thinking of babywearing as a skill they can learn and master, rather than as the result of a product they can register for. Many babywearing techniques can be learned in just a few tries. Some techniques, such as carrying a baby on your back, take more time and practice to master, but the extra effort is rewarded with liberation and increased comfort and mobility.

   Available curriculum from Close at Hand Babywearing Service. . . 

Choosing the Carrier(s) Right For You, and Infant Spine Development

Using a Baby Carrier You Already Own,

Babywearing and Soothing for Daddies, (co-taught with my husband Kyle on request),

Advanced Babywearing or Wearing on your Back and Other Fun Tricks,

 Using a Wrap or Simple Piece of Cloth,

Introduction to the World of Babywearing, it's Benefits, and the world of Carriers.

Tandem Wearing, Wearing and Caring for 2  (a Favorite of mine)

 

Ann Arbor Babywearers is back! Come and try lots of different carriers and meet other babywearing parents! Ann Arbor Babywearers is a free group with a lending library.  Come check it out! At www.annarborbabywearers.com !